CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Giovanni Malago, President of Milano Cortina 2026 waves during the medal ceremonies for the Men’s Slalom events on day nine of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on March 15, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Although he received backing from the Lega Serie A, Players’ Association and Coaches’ Association, Giovanni Malagò will ‘decide next week’ whether to run for FIGC President.
Following the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Gabriele Gravina tended his resignation as President of the Italian Football Federation, setting up an election on June 22 to find his replacement.
It seems to be a two-horse race between Malagò and Giancarlo Abete, with the former receiving the public backing of the Lega Serie A, then today the Players’ Association (AIC) and Coaches’ Association (AIAC).
However, the former CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) chief has not yet even confirmed he will stand for the election.
Malagò still undecided on FIGC role
“I am very pleased to see the positions of the players and coaches,” Malagò told news agency ANSA.
“I thank them for the faith show in me, which adds further responsibility in evaluating my candidacy, so I intend to make a final decision by the end of next week, with respect for the Serie B and C assemblies.”
Not all the votes are equal in this election, because the Lega Serie A has 18 per cent of the vote, Serie B 6 per cent, Lega Pro 12 per cent, the amateur league LND 34 per cent, Players Association 20 per cent and Coaches Association 10 per cent.
Malagò therefore now has 47 per cent of the vote locked down, but Abete is the current President of the LND and therefore has their 34 per cent already behind him.